What the Bible Says About the Terrorism of 9/11

On its Anniversary:

What the Bible Says about the Terrorism of 9/11

By Betty Miller

September the Eleventh, a Day of Terror!

Pastors Bud and Betty Miller on The Terrorism of September 11

The smoke smoldered for months 0n 9/11 of 2001 from the wreckage of the collapse of the New York World Trade Center Towers as a result of the most unbelievable terrorist attack any nation has ever witnessed. The attacks killed almost 3,000 people and caused at least $10 billion in property and infrastructure damage. The United States of America was dealt a horrific blow as foreign terrorists hi-jacked four American commercial airliners, ramming two of them into the Twin Towers and another into the Pentagon. One crashed into the country side, with its mission overthrown by brave passengers, who we found out later rose up against their aggressors and prevented another planned act of destruction. Our nation and many others who have joined the coalition against terrorism are declaring these deeds must be stopped throughout the world. Our nation has declared war on terrorism. The whole world is still reeling from this evil plot.

Our nation has been shaken to its foundation and hearts and lives have been shattered. Children are left without their parents, husbands and wives have lost their mates, friends are gone and terror has gripped our hearts, as we experienced a brutal act of barbarism in demonic proportions not known in this nation until now. As many as 10,000 widows and orphans are grieving for their loved ones. God’s heart is also grieved over the loss and pain of so many. He never wanted this to happen. Those who sought the Lord for comfort in their hour of need found it, as He promises never to leave us or forsake us.

We then were threatened with biological and germ warfare as cases of Anthrax surfaced on the heels of the assault. Fear mounted as rumors of more attacks were to come. People did not know what to do or who to trust. As Christians, we knew that we could only trust in God and therefore many backsliders starting seeking Him again.

We are receiving hundreds of letters with questions about what does all this mean. We are also being asked questions about what the Bible has to say about the end times. We certainly do not feel we have all the answers to this enormous tragedy, as it is really beyond human comprehension; however, we feel we should contribute some spiritual insight to help bring some understanding as to how such evil murderous acts could have happened in our nation. After seeking the Lord, we do want to share with our Internet family some of the things the Lord is speaking to us in regard to this major crisis on the anniversary of this event. We believe that God will bring good from what the devil meant for evil.

Many well-meaning Christians are voicing their opinions; however, many do not know the Word of God or they are immature; thus, we are hearing confusing messages as to what they think God is saying to us through these terrorist attacks. Personally, I was restrained from speaking at first, as the Lord revealed to me that this is a serious topic that should be approached in prayer and humility. All those who are speaking, including me, will be required to answer to God for their word on the matter. I am reminded by the spirit of God in James 1:19, that we should be “swift to hear, and slow to speak.”

The Internet is a place where we find many teachers expounding their opinions. In fact, even in the world we find people every where who are eager to voice their views on all kinds of subjects. That is why talk shows are so popular. Many are given a platform to speak. They voice their opinions, in spite of the fact they are not qualified on the subject, nor do they have the knowledge to speak. With so many personal ideas being voiced, much confusion and error are being disseminated. I would admonish those in the body of Christ who feel they should share a word or teaching with others that they make sure they are being a spokesman of the Lord, and not just sharing their opinions so they might be heard. I felt the Lord spoke to me that He wants us each to know when to share, what to share, and where to share, when we are given a revelation or teaching from God.

Not many (of you) should become teachers (self-constituted censors and reprovers of others), my brethren, for you know that we (teachers) will be judged by a higher standard and with greater severity (than other people). — Thus we assume the greater accountability and the more condemnation. James 3:1 (AMP)

Was this A “Wakeup Call” from God or the Devil?

Here is how I arrived at the conclusion that the events of September 11th were a wake-up call from the devil. If you were sleeping in your home and a robber broke into it and vandalized and attacked you, you would have to say the robber woke you up. However, if you had an alarm system that went off, you would say that the alarm system woke you up. Satan is described in Scripture as a thief. “The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly” (John 10:10).

The way God wakes us up is by speaking to us through His Word and by His Holy Spirit. He also uses his preachers and prophets to warn us. He sounds an alarm! When we fail to repent and hear His Words of warning, we leave our houses unprotected and the enemy is able to break in and do His evil work. God is never the author of evil and destruction. He comes to bring us life and blessing. However, to receive it, we must choose life and obey His Word. We have been warned that if we force God out of our homes, schools, businesses, and government, it will allow the enemy to come in and wreak havoc in our lives. God wants us to turn to Him before we experience any destruction, not be driven to Him through the destruction that comes as a result of us disobeying Him.

Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light. See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is. And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; Ephesians 5:14-18

We are warned in this scripture to “wake up” and be filled with the spirit so that we can understand what the will of God is. Because the Lord is merciful God, He does bring good out of evil, but He never instigates the evil. Satan does that. Because there have been many prayers for our nation, God is bringing good from this evil, and we are praising Him for that. Thank God for the unity, prayer meetings, and the many “God Bless America” signs that we see. This is certainly a change of heart in our nation. However, if we had heeded His warnings and simply turned back to Him in true repentance, we would have never had to suffer such a blow to our nation. God tried to prevent this kind of thing from happening by speaking to His people to pray, to witness, to obey, to give, to repent and to change. It was God’s grace that a worse thing did not come upon us. Our national sins and the sins of the church caused our promised protection to fail us, according to His Word.

Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people. Proverbs 14:34

For that they hated knowledge, and did not choose the fear of the LORD: They would none of my counsel: they despised all my reproof. Therefore shall they eat of the fruit of their own way, and be filled with their own devices. For the turning away of the simple shall slay them, and the prosperity of fools shall destroy them. But whoso hearkeneth unto me shall dwell safely, and shall be quiet from fear of evil. Proverbs 1:29-33

How does God allow evil to happen? By allowing men to have a free will. Men can sin which produces evil deeds, or men can give their lives to God and overcome sin and evil in the world. God told us in His Word that there is a devil and what he does, but He did not leave us helpless, He also told us how to overcome the devil through the power of the Holy Spirit and obedience to His Word.

Evil men who followed Satan did these evil deeds. Righteous men (the church as a whole in the USA), failed to keep the watch in prayer, and had become prideful, complacent and worldly, which allowed the enemy to do his evil deeds.

If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14

According to this verse, it is our pride, prayerlessness and wicked ways that keep our land from being healed. There is much controversy and disagreement in the body of Christ whether God allows something evil to happen or He actually sends something evil. How does God allow things to happen? He created men as free moral agents. He allowed us to choose life or death.

In that I command thee this day to love the LORD thy God, to walk in his ways, and to keep his commandments and his statutes and his judgments, that thou mayest live and multiply: and the LORD thy God shall bless thee in the land whither thou goest to possess it. But if thine heart turn away, so that thou wilt not hear, but shalt be drawn away, and worship other gods, and serve them; I denounce unto you this day, that ye shall surely perish, and that ye shall not prolong your days upon the land, whither thou passest over Jordan to go to possess it. I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live: Deuteronomy 30:16-19

He allowed the enemy to exist, but told us how to overcome him. He told us how to overcome self, sin and Satan, so that the evil one could not touch us.

These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. John 16:33

We know that whosoever is born of God sinneth not; but he that is begotten of God keepeth himself, and that wicked one toucheth him not. 1 John 5:18

Because you have made the Lord your refuge, and the Most High your dwelling place, There shall no evil befall you, nor any plague or calamity come near your tent. Psalm 91:9-10 (AMP)

Who is to Blame for the Evil That Came Upon our Nation?

Who is to blame for the evil that came upon our nation? Is it God? Is it the devil? Is it the evil men who did the deeds? Is it all the sinners in this nation who are homosexuals, abortionists, adulterers, murderers, pornographers, and God haters? Or is it the church who has fallen into apostasy and failed to be the light and salt God called us to be?

First of all, we must understand according to the Bible, God is not to blame for this evil. He is not evil and cannot do evil things

Therefore hearken unto me, ye men of understanding: far be it from God, that he should do wickedness; and from the Almighty, that he should commit iniquity. For the work of a man shall he render unto him, and cause every man to find according to his ways. Yea, surely God will not do wickedly, neither will the Almighty pervert judgment. Job:34:10-12

The Lord warns us in scripture not to attribute evil things to Him. This is the spirit of error according to the New Testament.

Do not err, my beloved brethren. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures. Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God. James 1:16-20

Definitely, the evil men who became suicide bombers are to blame, as well as the devil who motivated these men and gave them their evil plans of destruction. Certainly all sin brings a penalty with it, so sinners who do not know Christ are responsible too, as we all reap what we sow. All who are sinners share in the blame. However, I believe the greatest weight of blame must be placed on uncommitted Christians who serve themselves more than God.

Each Christian in this nation is responsible to some degree for what goes on in this nation and the world. If every Christian was totally committed to the will of God and lived daily to do His will, we could see this world converted quickly. We, as Christians, fail our Lord, when we do not pray, do not walk in faith and do not obey Him. We must each ask ourselves, “Do I faithfully pray for my nation, my president, and its leaders as the Lord instructs us in His Word? Do I pray for the Muslim people and other peoples in the world who do not know the saving grace of Christ our Lord? Have I been apathetic toward the reading of the Bible, witnessing, and daily prayer? Could my sin have contributed to the state of our nation so that judgment came on it? How much time do I spend seeking God and reaching out to others? How much of my time is spent in front of the TV. and self indulgence?”

Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin. James 4:17

I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. 1 Timothy 2:1-4

This evil came from the devil and we should use it as a wake up call to repent and turn back to God in our nation so that we once again may know His blessings and protection.

Was This a Judgment from God?

To answer this question we must first define what judgment is. Although judgment usually has an evil connotation to it (the execution of the penalty for sin), it also has a positive side. Judgment has to do with the sowing and reaping process. This is defined in Galatians 6:7-9: “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.”

From this, we can see that the negative side of judgment is that evil reaps destruction, while on the positive side, good that is sown through Jesus is rewarded. God’s judgment on evil is seen by the curse that is on wicked men, while God’s judgment for the righteous will manifest in His blessings and rewards on them. This is true for individuals as well as nations.

As a nation we have sown good and evil. I believe God has been gracious and merciful to us because we have reached out to help the other nations of the world. The church has sent many missionaries around the world. Christians in this nation have supported many missionary works in every nation. The United States government has poured billions of dollars into foreign aid and forgiven billions of dollars of indebtedness to other countries. We are one of the first on the scene to arrive with aid and assistance when natural disasters, such as earthquakes, strike other countries. America has helped the oppressed and poor of other nations. She has helped rebuild infrastructures, railways, etc. after nations have been ravaged by war. I could name many more, but this should suffice.

As a nation, we have also sown much evil. We have exported our ungodly music, movies, pornography, tobacco, alcohol. Our tobacco companies cannot sell their wares to the young people in our nation but they are allowed to export it to the youth of other nations. We have been hypocritical in calling ourselves a Christian nation when we allow abortion. Many Americans are drug addicts, and are consumed with pornography and vile movies. We commit adultery without blushing and are sex-crazed. I have noticed that the most prevalent types of ads that daily come across the Internet are ads selling something pertaining to sex, ads that tell you how to become a millionaire, and those that encourage gambling. Instead of being a good example to the world, we export our vices. Sharing Christ with other nations is difficult when they see our lust and materialism. Our American culture has been shot through with all types of sinful temptations designed by the devil to keep us weak and fearful and powerless to fight against him. Yes, judgment comes upon us as we reap what we have sown. God wants to bless us with good things, but our sins prevent God from blessing us.

Your iniquities have turned away these things, and your sins have withholden good things from you. Jeremiah 5:25

We are all being judged by the Word of God daily. When we fail to keep God’s laws and Christ’s commandments, we are judged in that respect. When we honor God and keep His Word, we are also judged as faithful. There is one way we can avert judgment. When we repent of our sins and walk in a daily relationship with Jesus, we no longer come under judgment. Jesus took our judgment on the cross to save us from hell, which is the penalty for our sins. We must pray that the church comes to true repentance that will produce a genuine revival in our nation. I believe this is a judgment unto righteous redemption and not a judgment unto the destruction of our nation.

And if any man hear my words, and believe not, I judge him not: for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world. He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day. John 12:47-48

Why did God Allow Many Innocent People to be Killed?

Since God did not do this and He is not behind it, some people are asking why He then allowed this to happen and why so many innocent people were killed. I do not believe we, as humans, can fully address that question. However, we must understand that God is never behind any evil or tragedy. He cannot do evil. God allowed this to happen because he allowed men to have a free will. He allows men to choose to do good and follow Him or to do evil and follow Satan. God allows tragedy, sin and evil in the earth, because He allowed man to have a free will and choose to embrace sin which produces its own consequences. God did not create evil as such. It is a by-product of man’s free will. In fact, the Bible tells us that when He originally created Lucifer (who later became the devil), he was created in perfection and Lucifer only became evil when he chose to rebel against God (Ezekiel 28:15). However, God told us where evil came from and also what we could do about it. In the Bible,He tells us about the devil and how to overcome him and his evil works through a relationship with Jesus Christ.

Man always seeks to know why things happen and this is not bad when it is an honest question we would like to know the answer to. However, as Christians, we must realize we will not have all our questions answered until we get to Heaven. There are reasons that bad things happen and God sometimes shows us those reasons. However, at other times He does not. In horrific events such as these attacks, many good and innocent people are killed. However, those who were Christians were not ultimately destroyed, as they met their Savior that day face to face. The terrorists ended up, not in heaven, as they supposed according to the Koran, but rather an everlasting hell was their fate.

In the New Testament, some men approached Jesus about some Galileans whom Pilate had killed. Jesus made it clear that those men were not greater sinners than anyone else in Israel. He then pointed out 18 others who were killed when the tower in Siloam fell and warned them that unless they all repented they could also perish. The Lord is equating the tragedies with sin. However, He did not limit the sin to those that perished but in essence said that everyone’s sin brings about tragedy in the world. We all are responsible to some degree for what is happening in our nation. When we fail to pray, to witness, to give and to obey, we sin. Our corporate sin then allows the enemy to attack us.

There were present at that season some that told him of the Galilaeans, whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. And Jesus answering said unto them, Suppose ye that these Galilaeans were sinners above all the Galilaeans, because they suffered such things? I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish. Or those eighteen, upon whom the tower in Siloam fell, and slew them, think ye that they were sinners above all men that dwelt in Jerusalem? I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish. Luke 13:1-5

A Major Crisis Demands A Major Change

We were in a time of fasting and prayer two weeks before our nation faced this alarming crisis. The Lord spoke these words to me at that time, “A Major Crisis Demands a Major Change.” I also had a dream about a huge tornado coming. It was the largest black roaring tornado that I had ever seen. In the dream,I quickly rounded up the family and went to the basement for shelter as it passed over. When we came out there was much destruction everywhere, but we were all thankful to be alive.

At the time, I thought He was just speaking to us personally as we were going through some major financial problems as well as other major problems related to our site development. The enemy had been trying to destroy the work of Christ Unlimited Ministries. I am sure it was a personal word; however, I believe now, that it was also a word about the soon coming events in our nation. As we began making major changes in some of our financial and business affairs, our finances greatly improved. Praise God! It was a major crisis for us, as we went through the trial of lack of funds, lack of help, and lack of enough prayer support. The total victory has not manifested as of yet; however, we have faith in the Lord that He will see us through!

All of us, as Christians, must make the necessary changes in our individual and corporate lives so that we can overcome the onslaughts of the devil against our nations.

God Sanctioned Government Authorities to Enforce Laws

We are now watching as our government has begun major changes in our national affairs in order to prevent future terrorist attacks. Increased security measures in all levels of our nation’s operations have been instigated. The USA has gone on the offensive to root out terrorists nationally and abroad. President Bush has declared war on terrorism. He has launched a world wide coalition, as other nations are joining in this war. We are all facing changes in our lives.

Some Christians are having difficulty with the actions of our government as the heart of Christianity is to love our enemies, not destroy them. How do we reconcile this as Christians? We must understand that the Bible deals with the role of government differently than that of an individual Christian. Throughout the Bible, the main role of governments was to protect its people from threatening invaders and to maintain law and order within its borders. This was done by maintaining a military force. Those who would argue against our country’s position, must ask what our nation would be like without policemen and prisons.

God set boundaries on mankind by establishing ruling authorities that would make and enforce the laws He gave. The purpose for this was because He knew unregenerate society, without any restraints, would seek to destroy good men. God’s desire is that all men would come to Him and live by His laws. However, when Adam and Eve disobeyed God and broke His law, sin entered into the world and was passed down to all of mankind through Adam’s seed. God, in His love for mankind, made a way for men to come back to Him, through the sacrifice of His Son, Jesus. Because Jesus lived free of sin and obeyed the law of God perfectly, He became the sin offering and died upon a cross, thus paying the price for all men’s sin. He then rose from the dead the third day showing that He indeed was the son of God. Now those who accept what Jesus did and repent of their sins can find their way through faith to be reconciled to God. This sacrifice covers and cleanses men even from the worst of sins including murder. Now, through Christ, even murderers can be forgiven and restored to a relationship with God so they can live forever with Him; however, they must repent and give their lives wholly to Christ.

Where we find most of our problems with the military action of our government versus loving our enemies is that God’s law of justice for the taking of a life demands that life be taken; yet, God’s spiritual law of mercy and forgiveness grants that a murderer can be forgiven and restored. How can we reconcile this? We must understand that God instituted civil authorities to maintain order in the earth. God uses them to restrain evil and they should be obeyed for this purpose. In the New Testament, we see that even Jesus surrendered to the governing authorities because He was submitted to God.

Jesus answered, Thou couldest have no power at all against me, except it were given thee from above… John 19:11

Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore he who resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of him who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval, For he is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain; he is the servant of God to execute his wrath on the wrongdoer. Therefore one must be subject, not only to avoid God’s wrath but also for the sake of conscience. Romans 13:1-5 (RSV)

From these verses, we see that governments can elect to bear the sword (go to war) to deal with evil men. Although the act of war is a harsh form of punishment upon evil invaders, the alternative is far worse — the destruction of innocent people by wicked aggressors.

No soldier who is a Christian desires to kill another; however, the Lord Himself, did not chastise a Centurion soldier in the Bible in the matter of his occupation. On the contrary, the Lord commended this man for his understanding of authority and his great faith when he called upon the Lord to heal his servant. Our military men need our prayers and the protection of the Lord as they go to battle. This should be the work of the church — prayer for our men’s protection, prayer that the war would end quickly so we can return to peace, and especially prayer for our enemies, that they might be saved.

And when Jesus was entered into Capernaum, there came unto him a centurion, beseeching him, And saying, Lord, my servant lieth at home sick of the palsy, grievously tormented. And Jesus saith unto him, I will come and heal him. The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed. For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me: and I say to this man, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it. When Jesus heard it, he marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel. Matthew 8:5-10

What is the Bible Definition of Murder?

God knew when He created men with free wills that not all would follow and obey Him. However, He also knew that many would want to love and serve Him. In giving men free will, He also had to establish laws for men to live by. When we look at the Ten Commandments listed in Exodus 20:1-17, we can see that these laws were given for the good of mankind. One of these laws is in Verse 13: “Thou shalt not kill.” You may wonder if God said “do not kill,” why He would then decree that governments could send men to war to kill other men. The reason is that the Hebrew meaning of the word translated as “kill” actually means “murder” or “to slay someone in a violent manner unjustly.” So, in the Ten Commandments God is saying, “Thou shalt not murder.” Unjust premeditated killing with the wrong motives of hatred, vengeance, greed, jealousy, etc. is murder. Killing in self defense to protect oneself is not murder. The very founders of this nation were known to carry a Bible in one hand and a musket in the other in order to defend the freedom they sought here. The freedom to worship God was one of those freedoms they fought for and died for.

What Causes God to Bless America or Any Other Nation?

Everywhere we are seeing signs that say “God Bless America.” We are singing songs invoking His blessing on this nation, as well. Many new prayer groups have sprung up. Church attendance went up dramatically right after 9/11. Sales of Bibles have soared. Is America turning back to the God that our forefathers worshiped? I believe we have made a start in the right direction; however, unless we sustain our return to faith in Christ and add repentance for our national sins, we will surely face more troubles. We must not just call on God in our day of trouble. We must walk with God and obey Him on a daily basis. According to the latest Gallup poll, 80% of the people say their lives have returned to where they were before 9/11. If we do not walk with God, He will not walk with us and we will face more serious troubles in our nation.

God will bless any nation who has a majority of Bible believing Christians as its citizens. God blessed Great Britain for many years because she was a Christian nation who sent missionaries all over the world. However, when her sins were multiplied and she became a proud nation, she lost the standing she once enjoyed as a great world power.

What qualifies any nation to be called a Christian nation? It is the Christians within that nation. I was shocked a number of years ago when I read a national statistic from a very reliable ministry that stated that only 38% of Americans professed to be “Born Again” Christians. I called their offices to make sure it was not a misprint. They said their survey was very specific. They said 90% of Americans believed in God, but only 38% professed Christ as their Saviour. A majority were church goers; however, true Christianity is based on a relationship with Jesus Christ, not on church attendance. It hit me at that moment, that we were not really a Christian nation any longer. Many Americans have told God to get out of their lives and don’t come into our schools. When we do this, then God will remove His hand of blessing and protection from us. We have other gods — the god of humanism, the god of New Agers, the gods of all the “isms” with materialism at the front. We can only be blessed if our God is the true and living God, whose son is Jesus Christ.

Another nation that became a Christian nation with 60% of its population confessing Christ in the 1970s, was the nation of Uganda, East Africa. Its capitol, Kampala, was known as the “Pearl of Africa” by Winston Churchill. It had modern buildings, wide boulevards, beautiful flower gardens, a stable government; it was being blessed of God. However, sin and neglect brought about an evil change in government and a man named Edi Amin came to power. This man, who claimed to be a Muslim, began systematically destroying the Christians in that nation in the most hideous and torturous ways one could not even imagine. He claimed he was being led by God through visions that he received. Obviously, he was deceived and listening to the devil. All Bibles were burned. Before Amin was finally run out of the country and fled to Saudi Arabia, his massacre left over 300,000 Christians murdered. Uganda has not recovered yet and the plague of AIDS is still taking lives daily in that nation. When sin’s cup of iniquity is full, it spills over with its consequences.

Bud and I have a great love for that little nation, as we were blessed to go there right after Amin was chased out. The Christians there were precious people whose trial of fire had produced men and women of great faith. They were confessing their sins and the sins of their people when we were there, as they realized they had lost their estate and blessing through the neglect of their Christian duties. We must not neglect ours in America. This is our opportunity to return to Christ and change our nation. Our trust cannot be in our military might. It must be in the God of the Bible, then He will use our military to protect us.

Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD; and the people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance. The LORD looketh from heaven; he beholdeth all the sons of men. From the place of his habitation he looketh upon all the inhabitants of the earth. He fashioneth their hearts alike; he considereth all their works. There is no king saved by the multitude of an host: a mighty man is not delivered by much strength. An horse is a vain thing for safety: neither shall he deliver any by his great strength. Behold, the eye of the LORD is upon them that fear him, upon them that hope in his mercy; To deliver their soul from death, and to keep them alive in famine. Our soul waiteth for the LORD: he is our help and our shield. For our heart shall rejoice in him, because we have trusted in his holy name. Let thy mercy, O LORD, be upon us, according as we hope in thee. Psalm 33:12-22

Give us help from trouble: for vain is the help of man. Through God we shall do valiantly: for he it is that shall tread down our enemies. Psalm 108:12-13

In the Persian Gulf War of 1991, the United States of America entered into a war against Iraq whose leader was Saddam Hussein. Iraq had attacked the little nation of Kuwait, threatening to destroy it. The issue was over oil. Saddam, being a Muslim, declared that they would win the war because God was on their side. However, Allah, Saddam’s god, is a false god. He lost the war and America won it. Did this prove America was a Christian nation and that is why we won the war? I believe if we were honest and looked at the sins of our nation, we would have to admit that our sins are glaringly seen by the whole world. Can we really call ourselves a Christian nation when our greed, materialism, lust, drunkenness, addiction, murder, abortion, pride, etc. prove otherwise?

We won that war because of a holy nation within this nation and other praying people in other nations who are God’s true praying people around the world. This is the Holy Nation that the Bible speaks of. They were interceding not only for all Americans and their allies, but also for the Arabs because we desire to see all men come to the knowledge of the true and living God. Currently, there is no nation, including ours, that is primarily engaged in the commission given to Christians to share the gospel with the whole world. It is only the spiritual nation made up of God’s people that will be able to overcome the evils of war through their obedience and intercession.

Were the Towers in New York the “Babylon” Mentioned in Revelation 18?

Therefore shall her plagues come in one day, death, and mourning, and famine; and she shall be utterly burned with fire: for strong is the Lord God who judgeth her. And the kings of the earth, who have committed fornication and lived deliciously with her, shall bewail her, and lament for her, when they shall see the smoke of her burning, Standing afar off for the fear of her torment, saying, Alas, alas that great city Babylon, that mighty city! for in one hour is thy judgment come. Revelation 18:8-10

For in one hour so great riches is come to nought. And every shipmaster, and all the company in ships, and sailors, and as many as trade by sea, stood afar off, And cried when they saw the smoke of her burning, saying, What city is like unto this great city! And they cast dust on their heads, and cried, weeping and wailing, saying, Alas, alas, that great city, wherein were made rich all that had ships in the sea by reason of her costliness! for in one hour is she made desolate. Revelation 18:17-19

The Book of Revelation is a coded book and was written for Christians so that only they could understand it. Those who do not have the Holy Spirit are bewildered by its imagery. Even as Christians, we have difficulty when approaching Revelation. How do we understand its code? The Bible interprets itself, so we can understand Revelation by looking at other portions of the Bible for clues to its interpretation. When we study one portion of the Bible, we can find the same truth in another portion that sheds light on what we are studying. Since Revelation is a coded book, we will not understand it without the help of God’s Spirit who inspired it. We must have a child-like approach to His Word. We must have God’s Spirit and an understanding of the Scriptures to comprehend Revelation.

Revelation was written symbolically; a great deal of it is not literal. If we do not understand that Revelation is speaking of spiritual things, then we are going to misinterpret it. We will end up looking for literal things and miss what God is saying to the church.

First of all, I do not believe that New York City nor the United States is Babylon. “Babylon,” in this passage of Scripture, is a symbol of the evil system representing the kingdoms of this world that are in opposition to the kingdom of God. According to the scripture, all of the nations have “drunk of her wine.” No one city or nation can alone be responsible for corrupting the earth or martyring all the saints of God; and certainly not the United States. Babylon is a system that has been on the earth throughout all of history. It is empowered through various nations, governments, philosophies, and religions–as well as through individuals.

However, since the World Trade Centers housed multitudes of international corporate headquarters, it certainly could symbolically represent the world monetary system. The love of money is a snare to all that are in the world. Most of the people in the world are seeking after the things of this world. It makes no difference whether they are rich or poor; the poor want the things of this world too, but simply do not know how to get it. This beast system has everyone seeking the wrong god. They are buying so they can sell, and selling so they can buy. The stock market and the whole monetary system is filled with that. Those who have placed their trust in that system are marked with the beast. That is, they think like the devil, who is the ultimate beast.

As Christians, we buy and sell too. But we are not buying and selling our souls like the rest of the world. We are in the world, but we are not of the world (John 17:14-16). We touch and handle the things of this world, but it is not in our hearts; it is not a part of us. We are not marked with the system. As totally dedicated Christians, when God asks us to do anything, we lay everything down, leaving it behind as we go and do what He has asked. We are able to forsake all because we are not marked with the mark of the beast; we are not caught up in the love of money. We are not caught up in the buying and selling because we know our true riches are in heaven.

In Revelation 17:5, we read, “And upon her forehead was a name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH.” Who is this woman? She is the beast system of the world, the fallen system that commits abominations. Certainly the many things that went on in the World Trade Towers were ungodly transactions that deserved judgment. However, I do not believe that the city of New York fulfills this prophecy. I believe that any city or nation that practices evil and indulges in greed and lust would be a part of the Spiritual Babylon the Bible speaks of. This would include all the cities down through history of which many of them also fell. The original Babylon fell and was destroyed and remains a type throughout history.

However, we cannot overlook the fact that the World Trade Center Towers could certainly be a type and warning to us as a nation that our money and pride has reached into the heavens and it is now brought down by our own sins. In the Old Testament, there was another tower that God did not approve of — it was the Tower of Babel. This is how Babylon got its name. Nimrod and the men who were building this tower had the wrong motives for doing it; therefore, the Lord confounded their languages so that the work was not completed and the men were scattered abroad on the face of the earth.

And they said, Go to, let us build us a city and a tower, whose top may reach unto heaven; and let us make us a name, lest we be scattered abroad upon the face of the whole earth. And the LORD came down to see the city and the tower, which the children of men builded. And the LORD said, Behold, the people is one, and they have all one language; and this they begin to do: and now nothing will be restrained from them, which they have imagined to do. Go to, let us go down, and there confound their language, that they may not understand one another’s speech. So the LORD scattered them abroad from thence upon the face of all the earth: and they left off to build the city. Therefore is the name of it called Babel; because the LORD did there confound the language of all the earth: and from thence did the LORD scatter them abroad upon the face of all the earth. Genesis 11:4-9

The Millennial Reign of Christ Will End All Terror and Wars

If we desire to see justice done and see wars end and yes, even the end of all forms of killing, violence, terror and death–we must realize that this can only come about through the kingdom of God coming to this world. God’s kingdom can only come about as all men yield to God and His laws. The time is soon coming when Jesus will return to this earth. At His second coming, He will then rule with a rod of iron and the devil will be chained and his followers destroyed. Satan will no longer tempt men with evil, so there will be no more wars, murder and evil in the earth. We shall enter the Millennial Reign of Christ, when the earth shall rest from its tribulations. However, until that time, God has instructed us, as His children, to pray for His Kingdom to be manifested in our individual lives and communities. We can change the world through allowing Christ to rule in our lives and thus affect those around us with His love and grace.

And he shall judge among the nations, and shall rebuke many people: and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks: nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more. Isaiah 2:4

For those who refuse to allow His reign in their lives, God has set government authorities in the earth to restrain evil by enforcing the laws of the land. Granted, they are imperfect and some are even evil. However, the alternative would be that evil would overcome those that were good if there were no laws. We can change the bad laws by allowing God to use us in our spheres of influence. We must do our part to pray, witness and become involved in the world to change it for the better. That is the way the Kingdom of God will be established in our world, through allowing God to reign in our every day lives in the place we are planted. This is the way we can prevent other acts of terror from destroying more people in our nation and the nations of the world. May the King and His Kingdom come quickly!

After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen. Matthew 6:9-13

Bible Answers For These Perilous Days

Make a Commitment to Christ. The first thing we need to do is to make a total commitment to Jesus Christ, the son of God. If you have not done this, you must start by repenting of your sins and asking Him to come into your heart and change you. He will then give you His peace and direction for your life. For help in doing this, click to this article: What Does the Bible Say About Salvation?